sounds a lovely picture maeve- like a beginning of a story that draws the reader or listener in. with a prayer for you and all those going through such a tough time at present. we have friends in norfolk and the mum is expected to die anytime now .seems to be so much of it lately. God help us all-seems a sad world sometimes.

A belated welcome to Sandy McLean. Join us on our Voyage through Life's vicissitudes with a Crew of some of the wisest, compassionate, funniest, most caring Folk it's ever been my good fortune to meet. Bruce, your link to Anne Murray was perfect. Considering the song was released in '83, the lyrics are just as relevant now. Couple that with the fact that I've always loved her voice & voilà, a moment of calm. The power of Music....never lets me down. Janie & Maeve, there is a poem/song lyric here just begging to get written....Moonbeams, Owls, Snow. The foundation is laid already. With your permission, if any of us feel inspired, may we summon our Muses & put pen to paper? Ann & I visited Jane in hospital yesterday. She's very poorly & has lost so much weight that the Doctors have had to stop the chemo. That, combined with other issues, pushes me ever closer to using the word: 'desperate', something I absolutely refuse to do until it really is my only option. Our New Year Wishes & Hopes for All : An easing of pain; diseases conquered; distress comforted; dark places filled with light; tears replaced with laughter & joy & a restoration of balance in all our lives that we may enjoy Life's Blessings with a true sense of inner Peace, With Love from our Hearts to Yours, Nigel & Ann (31st December 2012) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Oh my dear Nigel...........May I take on that New Year's wish for all as well? A beautiful wish and I thank you. It also makes clear that difficult as these times are for you, you're seeing things clearly even through tear flooded eyes.

May you be granted the solace you all need and know the love we have for your family......and for each other on this Voyage.

Billy is having a transfusion in the hospital today, not sure if they may keep him in? I am at home with a very poorly mum so feeling a bit lost, but as usual your wonderful words and compassionate spirit have lifted my mood,thank you. Billy and I listened to Anne Murrey last evening and echo your thoughts, perfect!!

I hope you and Ann are being cosseted and looked after, and wish all your New Year wishes and thoughts returned to you many times over.

ever still here with a head full of everything positive and a heart full of love with music and moonbeams now weaving in amongst all the hope and hugs and tears as well - thank you to all whose wise words help everybody else and the grand good company you are whilst holding fast and standing firm - I think I'd better go scrub some decks and do something useful. rum

I have been very little on Mudcat lately but am grateful to maeve for pointing me here. Alouette has been humbled time and time again by the power of her song, I am merely the conveyer of it- you all have given it wings and strength.

Nigel, I don't know you, but I humbly ask to join the circle. I have been in the dark myself, and remember well the power of Mudcat's angel wings. Bless you and your family for allowing us to be a part of this dark journey, and know that all over the earth there are loving hearts and minds and voices keeping vigil with you and your family and especially Jane.

best possible new year to all-those down under who have already had the fireworks and to those of us still to see it in. nigel i thought you expressed your wishes and greetings with a great deal of sensitivity and eloquence. blessings pete.

Would that we could somehow divide up the sorrow, or each take the burden for a bit, to lift it from those here who are feeling the full constant weight just now. Words are too easy. But our hearts are with you. Dean and Judy

But if somehow you could pack up your sorrows And give them all to me You would lose them, I know how to use them Give them all to me

ALLISON......Dear Heart, we all know your heart and what it can surround. Old Friend, you are indeed welcome and as a longtime member we are pleased to have you aboard as your compassion is well known and always appreciated.

So many moving posts from so many Good People...I don't know where to start with my thanks. Allison, join us on our voyage. You brought us a gift of Music. There is something very special about the unaccompanied voice, particularly poignant when delivered with simplicity & deep sincerity. Maeve, thank you for the SSAA & SATB arrangements for 'The Comfort of Singing Voices'. I would very much like to arrange an orchestral version of this beautiful song, but require the Composer & Arranger's permission (All copyrights respected). If it is felt that an orchestral version is inappropriate or detrimental, please let me know & I will leave well alone. Janie, 'Grandmother Spider & the Web of Life'. I have read & re-read & will need to re-read again. It is a beautiful allegory, full of wisdom & potent images. It touches me on many different levels. Your phrase: '..... mystically inclined atheist.' Is how I would describe myself. May I have your permission to adopt ' mystically inclined atheist' for myself? Wendy & Billy, Ann & I are holding you in our thoughts. You have so much with which to contend. We hope that 2013 will see an easing of your burdens. Spaw, thank you for reminding me about 'Pack up Your Sorrows'. I used to sing the song in the Folk Clubs, back in the 60s. If I pause for a second, I can still 'hear' the audience joining in with the chorus. It's a truly great song. A little update on Jane's situation. She has contracted two infections whilst in hospital, but the fever & frighteningly high temperature associated with them are beginning to subside. She has, for the first time in nearly a week been able to eat a little. Her weight remains worryingly low. 2013 begins with many rivers yet to be crossed; many mountains still to climb, many physical & emotional challenges to overcome. Nevertheless, with your Love & Support my Dear Friends, Ann & I begin this next phase of our Voyage, secure in the knowledge that our Faithful Crew our going about their duties with their customary fervour. With Love & Heartfelt Gratitude, Nigel & Ann. xxxxxxxxxx

Nigel, send a PM to Allison regarding your thoughts on an orchestral arrangement. As the arranger, she is in more direct contact with composer, Alouette Iselin than I am these days. Allison sent me the original arrangement for my chorus. If Allison is busy, send me a PM and I'll get you in touch with Alouette.

Healing is to Jane as Spring is to our snow-locked farm; it will come.

"Healing is to Jane as Spring is to our snow-locked farm; it will come." Beautiful words to help me through the day. No snow in London; it's actually wall to wall blue sky, bathed in glorious sunshine. Chilly, but very pretty. With Love, Nigel & Ann. xxxxxxxxxx

PS Thank you very much to whoever it was in Admin who has taken the trouble to divide this ever increasing Thread into pages: extremely helpful. N.

That's kind of you, Allison, thank you. Sandra, what a great set of photos. You are clearly a Lens-woman for whom 'point & shoot' is no longer an option! I have some personal good news that I'd like to share. One of Hollywood's most respected film makers has shown an interest in one of my pieces. Nothing more than a brief email at the moment, but it gave me a much needed boost when I was feeling particularly low. The fever & infections that have so beset our Darling Jane over the last few days appear to be on the wain, but her food intake is a cause for concern. She is desperate to return home, but until she has regained her weight loss, the Doctors won't be discharging her anytime soon. With Love, Nigel & Ann. xxxxxxxxxx

Glad to hear the fever and infections are under control. Chemotherapy is always challenging but can also turn into a very nasty and frightening ordeal. Very hopeful in hospital they will get her hydrated and nourished, then change out her chemo to a regimen she can tolerate.

Nigel, it is just about impossible that any thing I post here is a unique or original perspective or employs unique or original imagery. If ever I should post something and follow it with (copyright- date- name), then please ask permission. Otherwise, quit the asking permission already!

Nigel, I just got off the phone with Alouette. She is honored that you would like to make an orchestral arrangement! She would love a copy when you finish it, and a recording if it's ever recorded. And of course, if you make a million pounds from it, a wee fraction of the profit would be gratefully appreciated! (she is a self-employed psychiatric social worker, suffering from the insane policies of a broken health care system, and could use it!)

She also wants me to tell you that you and your daughter and family are in her thoughts and prayers. Mine, too.

I do hope that Jane is still improving, those nasty side effects and infections can be very worrying,we have been keeping you all in our prayers this week and checking in here daily.

Such good news about your music,Nigel, two new projects to work on will give you so much satisfaction and help to keep you busy and as you say, give you a much needed boost!

We have had a difficalt week, since Christmas, my step son came for lunch on Boxing day and had a "bug"coughing all day ( I was not a happy bunny!!)My mother was taken ill with the infection on Friday night and we have had to send for the Dr twice, then Billy had a blood transfusion on Monday and had a dreadful chest infection so is on 5 different antibiotics??Our daughter, son in law and the two little girls have all had the same nasty chest infection so we are the " dont come near us" family!!

But the good news is that while Billy was at the hospital for blood tests yesterday his consultant saw we were there and called us into his room( No appointment!!) and said that the results are looking good, he doesn't want to see Billy for 5 weeks. He has booked a CT scan and Bone marrow biopsy for 8 weeks and says they will be the "acid test" so FINGERS CROSSED we are looking forward to the New Year with a little optimism.

been in norfolk for a couple of days following our friends bereavement but good to see things looking a bit brighter here though sorry to hear the "bug" is hitting your family now ,wendy. its been all round ours too.hope theres no round 2! pete.

looks like round 2 is going round our area.some of my family sick and tommy not well again and we are waiting to hear from a doctor.we heard the local hospital even turned people away this week so we hope he does,nt have to go in while he,s down. hope it dont spread anyone elses way. pete.

so sorry to hear that your family has this bug again! It is a really bad one and the cough seems to go on and on! Funny no one is talking flu this winter?But it seems to me that a very high temperature and shakes and shivers sounds like flu.

Hoping that Tommy does not catch it and that he doesnt have to go into hospital

Is it only in the UK that we have to endure these dreadful 'bugs'? (Apart from 'Flu which seems to be universally troublesome). Wendy & Pete, you've certainly had more than your fair share & the level of concern always goes up a notch or two when children & seniors become infected. Ann & I wish you all a speedy & complete recovery. I remember a very eminent Doctor saying in a TV interview some years ago that the human body can heal itself of something like 90% of infections, if we are prepared to wait & let nature take it's course. I cannot vouch for the veracity of that opinion & speaking personally, I for one am not a patient patient! If I don't feel well, I want it sorted, pdq! A brief update on Jane. She is back home, which is better for her overall, but nothing fundamentally has changed. Food, feeding, keeping hydrated remain ongoing issues. Her chemotherapy is still on hold because she has not yet made up the weight loss. Ann & I are seeking support for ourselves from Macmillan Cancer Care. Jane & her Family have been offered similar support. Take good care of yourselves, With Love, Nigel & Ann. xxxxxxxxxx

Good news to hear that Jane is back home, with a break from the chemotherapy I do hope she has a chance to build up her strength , lots of loving care from her wonderful family and some good home cooking must boost her up.

I am so pleased that you and Ann are going to be supported by Macmillan, they are a fantastic group of nurses who will take care of you as well as Jane and her family. In my experience they help in so many unexpected ways.When someone is very ill it is often the carers that go downhill and they need support and advice from someone who has no emotional involvement but provides a listening ear and sometimes a shoulder to cry on.

You may know that my lovely mum has Dementia, over the last year I have had an Admiral Nurse ( a trained mental health professional who is there for the carer not the patient) I can phone her at any time when things get rough and we meet often for coffee and I can be honest with her about my feelings of frustration, sometimes anger, and most importantly she understands how ones feels the loss of a loved one who is with you in body but certainly not in mind! I can honestly say that I would not have got through the last six months of looking after mum while my husband was having chemotherapy. She has solved what seemed to me, insurmountable problems with sensible simple solutions, organised someone to stay over night so Billy and I could have a weekend away. The most important advice on day one was" Wendy stop feeling guilty!!"

The bad news? I had a letter the day after Christmas telling me that the service of Admiral Nurses in N E Essex is stopping at the end of January because of funding cuts !I am devestated, not just for me, I have good support systems in place that allow me to employ carers so that I can continue to run my business and therefore have some respite from being with mum 24/7. But I am very aware that there are lots of other people who are housebound looking after a relative with Dementia and the Admiral Nurse is their only contact! So I am on a mission, letters to the powers that be that have made this decision, our local MP, number 10 and also a reporter on the Daily Telegraph who interviewed me in December about my brilliant Admiral Nurse and how she has helped me.

So Nigel, take all the support and help you can, you and Ann must be kind to yourselves,the Mudcat Rainbow Crew all send love and prayers everyday and somewhere in the world they are thinking of you every minute of the 24 hours!